In 2017, the Government of Canada adopted an ambitious plan to support entrepreneurial drive through concrete initiatives. As a true economic driver, innovation is the key to success because it generates growth that benefits businesses and communities.

The announcement was made today by the Honourable Diane Lebouthillier, Member of Parliament for Gaspésie–Les Îles-de-la-Madeleine and Minister of National Revenue, acting on behalf of the Honourable Navdeep Bains, Minister of Innovation, Science and Economic Development and Minister responsible for CED.

The funding granted through CED's Quebec Economic Development Program will help the recipient businesses carry out many types of projects: start-ups, increase in production capacity, productivity enhancement, innovation-based marketing and equipment purchases. These projects are expected to create more than 50 good-quality jobs in the area.

Quotes

"I am proud of the Government of Canada's support for these 10 Gaspé companies, which set themselves apart by their vitality, boldness and innovation. The contributions will help them continue to develop and generate economic growth and high-quality jobs."

The Honourable Diane Lebouthillier, Member of Parliament for Gaspésie–Les Îles-de-la-Madeleine and Minister of National Revenue

"By helping businesses invest in equipment and devices that will enhance their performance, and by promoting start-up, product marketing and market development projects, the Government of Canada is standing by its commitment to foster expansion, innovation and exports. I am also delighted to know that these projects will help create more than 50 high-quality jobs in Gaspésie."

The Honourable Navdeep Bains, Minister responsible for CED

Quick facts

CED is one of the six regional development agencies under the responsibility of the Honourable Navdeep Bains, Minister of Innovation, Science and Economic Development.

This year marks the 50th anniversary of federal regional economic development in Quebec: half a century of concrete action dedicated to the development of the regions and local businesses.

Repayable contribution of $1,500,000 out of a total investment of $5,785,126

The project consists in expanding Éocycle's markets and increasing its production capacity by developing a 2.0 generation of its 25 kW wind turbine, fitting up the commercial production plant for the products developed and setting up a wind turbine that will serve as a testing model and technology showcase.

Éocycle designs and manufactures innovative small-capacity wind turbines to generate power in distributed mode. The company operates its Gaspé production plant and centre of excellence for the development and testing of new products. The plant is responsible for manufacturing the wind turbine core using a patented technology—a permanent magnet alternator—and for assembling the nacelles. Éocycle has 11 employees, 9 of whom work full time. The project will create 16 additional jobs.

Repayable contribution of $188,192 out of a total investment of $780,962

The project consists in starting up B.B. Group Inc. High Performance Brake Pads (B.B.) by developing and implementing a product commercialization strategy in national and international markets and obtaining ISO 9001 certification and implementing the international standard. The project will create three new jobs and generate total investments of more than $780,000.

B.B. has eight employees, six of whom work full time. The company designs, manufactures and refurbishes sintered brake pads for wind turbines. B.B. is the only North American manufacturer of high-performance brake pads for wind turbines and is integrated into the value chain of prime contractors in the wind energy sector. The brake pads are intended for wind turbine brake system OEMs, wind farm owners and wind turbine operation and maintenance companies.

Éconergie GPmm Inc.

Repayable contribution of $175,000 out of a total investment of $530,000

The purpose of the project is to help Econergie GPmm Inc. innovate and expand. The company will be using digital technologies to develop energy management software. The project will create two full-time jobs in the next two years and a total of nearly 14 jobs in the Côte-de-Gaspé RCM over the next five years.

Éconergie GPmm Inc. is a consulting firm that specializes in energy management. This is a family business founded by Mauril Minville, a retired Hydro-Québec employee.

Repayable contribution of $148,433 out of a total investment of $394,425

The project consists in supporting the start-up of O'Dwyer by automating its manufacturing processes and increasing its production capacity to meet demand. The total value of the investment project, which will create one new job, is close to $395,000.

O'Dwyer specializes in the creation and production of alcoholic beverages based on local flavours. The product is innovative and unique in that it is a gin flavoured with wild mushrooms.

Repayable contributions of $338,797 out of total investments of $841,381

The first project consists in improving the productivity and performance of Forillon Shipyard Inc. (CNF) by purchasing a cutting table and precipitator, setting up a cement platform for the precipitator and carrying out electrical work to service the table. Three jobs will be created in the medium term once the project is completed.

The second project involves the design and manufacture of a new-generation aluminum lobster boat prototype with a hybrid power system (electrical heat energy). The prototype will be used as a demonstrator for the first order book, thus creating a new production line.

Founded in 1952 under the name Gaspé Shipbuilding, the CNF used to specialize in the construction and repair of inshore fishing vessels. Today, the CNF is seeking to diversify its markets, but its focus remains the same: building and repairing boats so that they are safe and seaworthy for ship owners. The CNF also provides engineering, naval architecture, welding, interior finishing, sandblasting, painting and hydraulic equipment supply services.

Repayable contribution of $115,400 out of a total investment of $445,530

The project consists in improving the performance of Suspendem by acquiring additional and technological equipment, and by hiring and training resources to set up a new mechanical department. The project will create nine jobs and help the company broaden its service line so that it can continue to grow as part of the value chain of prime contractors in the Canadian wind industry.

Suspendem is a value-added service enterprise in the wind energy sector. More specifically, it provides specialized wind power generator inspection, maintenance and repair solutions.

Repayable contribution of $75,000 out of a total investment of $282,000

The project consists in increasing the productivity and expanding Produits Tapp Inc. through the acquisition of specialized equipment that will help increase the automation of its production chain. The project will generate total investments of $282,000.

Repayable contribution of $40,000 out of a total investment of $132,800

The project involves improving the productivity and supporting the expansion of the company through the acquisition of fermentation and handling equipment and improving the storage areas. The project will help Produits Tapp increase its production capacity and extend the employment period of one of its seasonal positions, while contributing to the economic diversification of the Gaspésie–Les Îles-de-la-Madeleine region.

Produits Tapp specializes in processing organic lacto-fermented vegetables. It produces six varieties of sauerkraut and, more recently, kimchi, a traditional Korean dish made of peppers and lacto-fermented vegetables. The company has 12 employees and has been in business for 23 years, currently producing 200 tonnes of lacto-fermented vegetables annually.

Repayable contribution of $57,000 out of a total investment of $285,000

The project consists in increasing Hôtel Baker's productivity and expanding it through capital work that will improve its tourism offer. More specifically, it will improve the quality of 68 of the 70 bathrooms in the establishment's accommodation units. The expansion project will required investments of $285,000.

Hôtel Baker includes a 70-unit hotel complex and a convention centre that can accommodate up to 250 people. The hotel has a four-star rating, is open year-round and also provides food services.

Repayable contribution of $36,000 out of a total investment of $145,085

The project consists in expanding ML6 Inc. through the development and implementation of a marketing strategy targeting Canada and the United States. The project also involves the design and implementation of a software platform for the integrated management of data relating to the inspection and repair of WindHub wind turbine blades; this will also include mobile applications. The project will create one new job that consists in providing user support and maintaining the platform.

ML6 has two full-time employees. From its beginnings, the company has developed software applications (mobile and Web) to support care and maintenance activities for the wind energy industry. Its mission is to create innovative solutions and provide technical support fostering the productivity and profitability of businesses.

Repayable contribution of $20,000 out of a total investment of $60,000

The project consists in improving the productivity and enhancing the production capacity of Microbrasserie Cap Gaspé Craft Brewing Co. through the acquisition of brewing equipment. The project will help consolidate the six current jobs and create two part-time jobs.

This start-up company's mission is to brew high-quality beer. It sets itself apart by using local ingredients, allowing it to offer a new terroir product.